Health Hazards of Smoke from Wildfires; Dos and Don’ts

Try to decrease outdoor activity and stay indoors as much as possible. This is especially important for children, older adults, smokers and those with heart disease or asthma and other lung diseases.

Protect yourself

Limit your exposure to wildfire smoke

Limit time spent outdoors

Keep doors and windows closed

Run air conditioning in recirculating mode only

Keep fresh air intakes closed

Install and maintain a clean furnace filter

Paper dust or surgical masks commonly found in hardware stores are designed to trap large particles. These masks generally will not protect your lungs from fine particles in wildfire smoke. If you wish to use respiratory protection, be sure to use an N95 or a N100 type disposable respirator and follow manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Do not compound indoor air quality issues during wildfires

Limit indoor activities that can increase indoor air pollution like:

Frying and broiling

Burning candles and incense

Using fireplaces or gas stoves

Vacuuming

In addition to your physical health, smoke from wildfires can reduce visibility, causing auto accidents or creating other safety hazards. Be aware of these types of hazards if you are asked to evacuate the area.

Click here for a link to Reno County Emergency Management's Facebook page where you will find continuous updates on the fires, winds and smoke warnings in your area.

Attention: language assistance and services are available to you free of charge. 620-665-2000, TTY: 620-663-7774